Maurice Eugene Valentine, Jr., 89, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away November 30, 2013.

Maurice was born March 18, 1924, in Casadaga, New York, to Maurice Eugene, Sr. and Margaret M. Valentine. He served in the US Army during WWII, in the 37th Infantry Division. He was involved in the Asiatic Campaign, the Philippine Liberation, Northern Solomns and the Luzon Campaign. He was decorated with many ribbons and medals during his time of service, most importantly a Purple Heart. After Maurice was honorably discharged in 1945, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Jean Bradley in 1946 in Turlock, California. In 1947 they moved to Kansas City where Maurice sold real estate until the flood of 1951. After which they move to Council Grove, Kansas. There Maurice worked for Beach Aircraft as an All-Phase Welder until the business was closed. In 1956 he moved his family back to Kansas City and opened his own welding shop, Valentine Welding & Manufacturing. He closed for business in 1972.

Maurice was a longtime member of Antioch Family Worship Center. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to garden. He was involved in everything he could be and had a strong determination to always be working.

He was preceded in death by a son, Sherman Valentine, by brothers; Glen and Merle Valentine and by sisters; Betty Lagoski and Marjory Wise.

Maurice is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marilyn Jean Valentine; children, Maurice E. Valentine, III (Dona), Bradley Valentine (Eileen), Marsha Masters (Gerald), Janice Crainshaw (Gary), Ellen Cantrell (Dave), Cheryl Simkins (Lee), and Jim Valentine. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Visitation and Funeral Services

Visitation will be from 5:30-8:00 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, at the Antioch Church, 5201 Antioch Road, Overland Park, Kansas. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, also at the church. Burial will follow in Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, Shawnee, Kansas.

Memorial Contributions

Donations in Maurice's memory may be made to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care or to the Antioch Church, www.antiochchurch.com.